Observational learning is an important area in the field of psychology and behavior science more generally. Given this, it is essential that behavior analysts articulate a sound theory of how behavior change occurs through observation. This paper begins with an overview of seminal research in the area of observational learning, followed by a…

The effectiveness of positive and negative evaluative comments for children's learning was assessed in a two-choice discrimination task. Results indicate that negative comments after incorrect responses greatly facilitated learning while positive comments after correct responses had little effect. To explain the findings, a naturalistic analysis…

This conference report consists of two presented papers and a selected bibliography. The paper by Joan Gussow, "Behavioral Management and Educational Goals," is concerned with operant conditioning as a theory of learning and an instructional method. Basing their methods on the work of B.F. Skinner, educators who are proponents of this…

It is through the selection of responses that are to serve as the organism's guests that many of the organism's characteristics and outcomes are determined. (MS)

Discusses the work of S. H. White, W. F. Overton and D. M. Baer. (MS)

This paper attempts to organize, systematize, elaborate, and elucidate a number of basic principles for behavioral change that have experimental foundation. The two major areas discussed concern procedures and principles for strengthening and weakening behavior. Matters of inducing behavior are considered. Principles for strengthening behavior are…

This monograph provides information about behavior change techniques of relevance to the treatment and handling of offenders. Since behavior modification techniques focus on behavior and since most offenses involve observable behavior, these techniques are remarkably well-suited for integration into the criminal justice system. The author…

This paper was presented at the 1970 International Joint Conference sponsored by the American Geographical Society and the American Division of the World Academy of Art and Science held in New York City. The author postulates that education can be accountable to a changing world scene by offering students a relevant education so they may…

Behavior can be modified because it is governed by its consequences. Observable behavior, excluding its causes, is modified by the application of techniques derived from B.F. Skinner's operant learning theory. Optimum effects can be achieved only after thorough knowledge of the child is gained, particularly in the area of his capabilities. The…

The philosophies underlying the learning and structural theories used in psychology are described in this article. It is argued that a dialectical view provides some ways to breach the chasm between learning theory and the study of human development. (Author/DB)

This paper provides the teacher with a brief introduction to the principles of behavior modification. Major areas of concern deal with the history of behavior modification, implications for the concept of mental health, the teacher's role, the difference between behavior modification and other forms of control, reinforcement, the role of…

The author analyzes the traditional, theoretical-behavioral, and theoretical-cognitive field learning theories. Since there is no general theory of learning agreed upon by all practitioners, the author develops a set of working principles to guide the working social studies teacher. (DE)

The effective use of parents as behavior change agents in the modification of their children's behavior is discussed. Identified are four parent training steps: (1) parents learn to identify and record specific behaviors: (2) parents learn through consultation and reading how to effect behavior change: (3) parents count behaviors, note behavioral…

Presented are seven papers given at a conference on the application of behavior modification techniques to the treatment of stuttering. An introduction to the papers gives an overview of behavior modification. The two papers of Part I present two approaches to stuttering therapy, one of which is based on operant conditioning and the other on…

Forty adult overweight female volunteers were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: (1) two self-control instruction conditions; (2) an automatic immunization instruction group; and (3) a no treatment control group. In the self-control groups, treatment was presented as an aid to gaining self-control over behavior, while in the automatic…